Gasoline tractor



Feb. 15, 1938. w. scHRoEDER GASOLINE TRACTOR l Re. 20,654

Original Filed Oct. l, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. l5, 19.38. w. scHRoEDl-:R

GASOLINE TRACTOR Original Filed Oct. l, 1934 S5 Sheets--SheetI 2 Feb. 15, 1938. w, SCHROEDER Re. 20,654

GASOLINE TRACTOR Original Filed 001.. 1, 1954 5 ShebS-Sheet 5 152616 K zo Reuma Feb. 1s, 193s Re. 20,654

AUNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE GASOLINE TRACTOR William Schroeder, Chicago, Ill., assignor to The Mercury Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation oi' Illinois Original No. 2,015,911, dated October 1, 1935, Se-

rial No. 748,354, October 1, 1934. Application for reissue June 17, 1937, Serial No. 148,760

8 Claims, (Cl. 180-27) The present invention relates to a gasoline tractor for hauling trackless trains, so-called in and about industrial plants, freight houses, piers, steel mills, lumber yards,` packing houses and the like, and more particularly has to do with a' construction of engine transmission and rear axle assembly in a single unit, whereby the propeller shaft and universal joints usually employed are eliminated, thereby providing the A still further object of the invention is to provide a tractor having a short turning radius to enable ease of operation in cramped quarters.

Another and still further object of the invention is to provide a tractor in which are combined the essentials of compactness, ample power and speed, and overall economy of operation.

Generally speaking, the back bone construction of the present invention consists of a unit lo simplest and shortest design of tractor. comprising thev engine, transmission and rear l The invention also contemplates a novel steeraxle assembly, all rigidly secured together, with ing mechanism for such tractor whereby the .the rear end of the unit supported on two rear turning radius may be shortened and whereby driving wheels and the front end supported 0h a the kingpin may be eliminated, single steering wheel, the unit having a threel Tractors employed for hauling so-called point suspension with respect to the wheels. 15 trackless trains in and about freight yards, The invention furthermore contemplates the lumber yards and similar places, must be so provision of a novel steering mechanisml for a constructed as to have a very short turning rasingle steering wheel, wherein a short turning dius in order to be maneuvered in close quarters, radius may be achieved and wherein a kingbolt and also must be constructed with suillcient is eliminated and also wherein the parts are of 20 power to haul loads of considerable weight. simple construction so as to be readily prepared It is an object of the present invention to so and kept in operable condition.4 construct a tractor as to have minimum overall The above, other and further objects of the length or wheel base present invention will be apparent from the folf Another object of the invention is to construct lowing description, accompanying drawings, and 25 a tractor which is built for arduous duty and appended claims. which is compact and sturdy and capable of The accompanying drawings illustrate someeasy operation and of turning in short radii. what dlagrammatically a tractor constructed in Another object of the invention is to conaccordance with the principles of the present struct a tractor with the engine, transmission invention, and the views thereof are as follows: 30

and rear axle assembly constructed as a unit, Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a threewhich unit comprises the back-bone of the vewheeled tractor showing, in full lines, in elevahicle which supports and carries the load. tion, the back-bone or unit construction of the A further object o f the invention is to provide tractor, and in section, details of parts of the g; a three-wheeled tractor having a unit constrmsteering mechanism, with a part of the rear axle 35 tion of the engine, transmission and rear axle broken away to show straight line drive of the assembly as a back-bone, and which back-bone tractor. The dotted lines illustrate a frame has two points of suspension at its r`ear end and which is attached to the backbone for carrying one point of suspension at its iront end. the seat, radiator, hood and instrument board.

Another object of the invention is to provide Figure 2 is a top plan View showing, in full 40 a fron-t end mounting for an internal combus lines, plan 0f the Unit baCkbOne of Figure 1, and tion engine whereby oscillatory and vertical in dotted lines, the outlineof the frame and removement of the engine with respect to its lationship of the springs to the rear wheels. mounting is possible. Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view It is also an object of the invention to protaken substantially in the plane of the line III- 45 vide a front end mounting for an internal com- 111 oi' Figure 1. bustion engine whereby vibratory motion of the Figure 4 is a top plan view of a plate type engine with respect to its mounting may occur steering yoke utilized for carrying the front steer' in more than one direction. ing wheel oi the tractor of the present invention.

5o Another and yet further object of the present The drawings will now be explained. 50

invention is to provide a novel steering mecha- The backbone of the tractor of. the present innism for three wheeled tractors. vention is a unit construction comprising an in- It is a. further object of the invention toproternal combustion engine I, transmission 2, and vide a. novel steering mechanism for a tractor rear axle assembly designated generally atl 3, having a single steering wheel. These several elements are secured together 55 propeller shaft and universal joints.

rigidly. and as so secured are adapted for straight line drive, thus eliminating the usual Inasmuch as these various elements are of any known4 form, as far as the engine element and transmission element are concerned, these will not be described.

The rear axle assembly will hereinafter be more fully described. The rear axle assembly is of double reduction, bevel and spur gear design provided throughout with ball bearings.

-The drive shaft 4 from the transmission 2 carries at its end a. bevel pinion 5 in mesh with a large bevel gear l keyed to a shaft 1, suitably supported in the rear axle assembly.` O n the shaft 1 is a pinion 8 which meshes with a large pinion 8, which in turn is suitably secured to the drive axles Ill for driving the rear wheels Il; The parts are so arranged that the axis of the shaft 4 is in alignment with the crankshaft of the engine I, and the axis of the cross shaft 1 is in the crankshaft centerline. The shaft 4 ls usually termed the transmission main shaft. The backbone unit is mounted in the tractor in inclined position with the front end of the engine higher than the rear end of the unit. The unit is supported at its rear end by the two drive wheels I I.

The tractor is supported at its front end and 'I'he front steering mechanism consists of. a single spring suspended front wheel with a steering yoke of plate type construction. A member I4, consisting of a plate structure having its central portion offset as at I5 is secured'across the front of the tractor with its ends fastened to angle brackets 15 welded to the side panels 18 of the frame. The member I4 is provided with an upstanding part I6 integrally cast or formed with the member I4, whichv upstanding part serves as one member of a, securing bracket adapted to fasten the steering wheel to the backbone of the tractor.

Suitably secured to the front end ofthe engine I is a shell-like stud I1, in axial alignment with the crankshaft of the engine. The upstanding part I6 is provided with a, se-mi-circular pocket Il which is circumferentially grooved to form a recess I9 for the reception of a. semi-circular illler block of resilient material, such as rubber 20.

A collar 2|, which is provided with a circumferential flange in its outer periphery to receive the rubber block 20, is applied over the stud I1, which stud therefore rests within the collar and is supported on the resilient filler block 20. A cap 22, semi-circular in elevation and provided with a circumferential recess or pocket 23 on its inner face, is applied over the upper semi-circular rubber block 24 to thus complete the clamp for the front end of. the unit. A collar is secured in the part I8 by means of bolts 25. The mounting of the front end ofthe unit, as iust described, serves as a single point suspension for the front end of the unit, and at the same time permits relative vibration between the front end of the unit and its clamp in a plurality of directions. The stud I1 may oscillate within the coilar 2| and the stud and collar may vibrate 'vertically or otherwise within the clamp by reason of the provision of the resilient blocks 20 and 24. 'I'he underside of. the offset portion I5 of the member I4 is provided with va circular ballrace 26. Integrally formed with the member I4 is a. casing 21 adapted to receive pinions which constitute a part of the steering mechanism for the wheel I2 'I'he wheel I2 is. mounted on an axle Il which is connected to semi-elliptical spring means shown `in the present instance as consisting of two springs in side-by-slde and laterally spaced relation, as at 2l, by means of blocks 2l each carrying a sleeve Ill for surrounding the shaft Il, and each provided with a curved seat 3l for bearing against the underside of a spring. 'Ihe springs are clamped against the block 2l by bolts 32 passing through a filler block I3 disposed atop the springs, which4 bolts are secured in the block 29 by nuts 34 engaging the lower end of the same.

A steering fork of plate type construction is herein illustrated as consisting of a plate or fifth wheel 35 having integrally formed therewith yokes 36 and 31. One end of each of the springs 2B is secured to an end of a yoke, as by means of a shackle pin Il, while the opposite ends of the springs ride on a pin I9 at the opposite ends 'A of the yokes. Thus, relative movement of the springs with respect to the yokes is permitted, as the unattached ends ride on the pin 38 during such movement.

The upper surface of the plate-'25 is provided with a ballrace 4II which, when the parts are assembled. is in register with the race 2B of the member I4. Interposed in the races 2 6 and 4E are a plurality of bearing balls 4I. Surrounding the fifth wheel I5 and shrunk thereon is a ring gear 42 having teethv 43 on the outside of its periphery. The fifth wheel 35 is secured to the member I4 in operative relation by clips 44 which are-bolted to the front and rear margins of the member I4 and underlie the margin of the fifth wheel 35 and gear 42. In this manner, the fifth wheel is connected to the member I4 for rotative movement with respect thereto, without the use of a kingbolt or similar means.

In order to turn the wheel I2 about its vertical axis for steering purposes, a steering shaft 45 is arranged to extend along one side of the engine I, illustrated herein as the. left side, which shaft enters thebox or casing 21 of the member I4 and has keyed t0 it Within said boxa steering pinion 46.' Supported within this box is a short shaft 41, parallel to the direction of inclination of the shaft 45, carrying at its upper end a pinion 48 in mesh with the pinion 46 on the shaft 45. At its lower end, the shaft 41 carries a pinion 49 in mesh with' the teeth 43 of the ring gear 42. From an inspection of Figure 1 of the drawings. it will be observed that the teeth 43 are inclined in the direction of inclinationvof the shaft 41 so that the pinion 49 may mesh with the teeth in proper relation. The pinions 46 and 4l are retained in the box or casing 21 by means of a cover plate 5|! suitably secured in position.

The pinions just described constitute a double reduction gear between the steering shaft and the axis of rotation of the front wheel, so that steering is made easy and no road shocks are imparted to the steering wheel, and also such steering arrangement enables turning in a very short radius.

A coupler 5I for receiving a mating coupler on a trailer truck is herein illustrated as being secured to the rear axle assembly by means of a, bracket 52. The coupler 5I may', if desired, be

driver. 'The frame also carries a radiator` 55, a hood 56, and an instrument board 51. In front of the radiator 55 is mounted a sheet metal guard 5B for protecting the radiator against damage in collision. The guard 58 is provided with suitable apertures so that air may pass therethrough and reach the radiator for cooling purposes.

A steering wheel 59 is disposed on the shaft 45 in convenient position to be engaged by an operator on the seat 54, and a gear shift lever 6B is provided for shifting the gears in the usual manner. Disposed on a stub shaft 5I secured to the adjacent side plate 16 of the frame are the clutch and brake pedals, the clutch pedal 62 being illustrated in elevation. The brakes on the driving wheel Il are actuated by linkage indi'- cated generally at 63, operable by the usual brake lever which is behind the clutch lever or pedal 62.

The rear end of the frame is supported on the backbone by springs which are substantially fiat semi-elliptical springs 6I. The front ends of the springs 64 are secured to studs 65 welded to the adjacent side plates or aprons of the frame structure, while the rear ends are connected by means of shackles 65 to studs 61 secured to the adjacent side plates of the frame. Central portions of the springs rest on spring pads 58 of the rear axle.

It will be observed that the unit construction just described provides a strong, sturdy tractor which is close coupled and which is capable of turning on ashort radius. These tractors are made with an overall length of slightly over six feet and with the minimum outside clearance of substantially 41/2 feet. A tractor constructed in accordance with the present invention climbs a 20% grade with a three-ton trailing load at the rate of 2.6 M. P. H., and with no load travels at a speed of 'Z1/2 to 8 M. P. H. Such a tractor has a sustained tractive effort of 2300 poundsat 2.14 M. P. H.

The tires on the rear wheels Il are zero pressure tires, that is, tires formed with interior hollow spaces,`while the tire on the front wheel I2 is a cushion tire. The frame is of heavy welded steel plate and encloses all of the working parts and provides a smooth exterior. The unit assembly of the engine, transmission and rear axle assembly is compact, readily accessible for maintenance and repair, and at the same time affords the shortest and simplest design of tractor.

The provision of semi-elliptic springs as described, front and'rear, provides smooth spring suspension and, with the rubber mounting for the front end of the unit, protects the mechanism and permits operation on rough roadways. A tractor constructed in accordance with the present invention has a turning radius of 541/2 inches; consequently, it'wili be seen that such tractor may be maneuvered in close or cramped spaces or quarters.

The rear axle assembly has top and bottom covers, thus allowing easy access to the interior for maintenance and repair. The drive .shaft is of semi-floating splined shaft construction and is driven by the pinion 9. The transmission may be the usual three-speed and reverse type of any suitable form.

The construction of the steering mechanism of the present invention enables the use of a ring gear for turning the single front wheel, and the plate fork construction enables the use of the ring gear mountingas a fifth wheel.

The invention has been described herein more or less precisely as to details, yet it is to be understood that the invention is not to b e limited thereby, as changes may be made in the arrangement and proportion of parts, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A tractor including a backbone comprising a unit construction. consisting of an engine, transmission and rear axle assembly connected together for straight line drive; a. front steering wheel structure; a horizontally disposed ring gear connectedlto said wheel structure for turning it; a mounting for said ring gear; said mounting Acarrying a substantially vertically disposed ring of compressible, resilient material such as rubber or rubber composition; a pivot member carried by the front of said backbone and entered in said ring and thereby supported for limited vertical and also rotative movement; the arrangement constituting a cushion support for the front end of said backbone and enabling swivel movement of the front wheel with respect to the backbone about said pivot member as a center.

2. In a gasoline tractor, in combination, an engine having a forwardly extending stud, a substantially horizontal member having an upstanding part to receive said stud, a plate supported by said member to rotate about a vertical axis, a yoke connected to said plate, semi-elliptic spring means operatively associated with portions of said yoke, an axle extending transversely of said yoke and connected to said spring means, a wheel on said axle, and steering means operatively associated with said plate for steering said wheel.

3. A front end construction for a tractor, including a stud secured to the front end of the engine and coaxial with the crankshaft thereof, means providing a socket for said stud, a member of which said means forms a part, a horizontally disposed plate supported from said member and adapted for rotation about a vertical axis, means for retaining said plate against said member to prevent Vertical separation, yoke means secured to said plate, spring means connectedto said yoke means, an axle connected to said spring means, a wheel on said axle, and means for rotating said plate to steer said wheel.

4. A front end construction for a tractor, whereby a short wheel base is secured, said construction comprising a support having a front vertical portion and horizontal plate portion, the vertical portion being connected to the front end of the engine for supporting the weight of the front end thereof, and the horizontal portion being spaced below the front end of the engine and extending rearwardly thereof, a pair of side frame members joined by the plate portion, a steering wheel rotatably mounted on the plate portion for guiding movement below the engine, and means for steering said wheel.

5. A front end construction for a tractor whereby a short wheel base may be secured, said construction including a support connected to the front end of the engine and adapted to support the weight of the front end of the engine, said support projecting below the engine and extending rearwardly of its front end, a steering member guided by the rearwardly extending portion of the support for rotational movement about a vertical axis relative thereto, an axle supported for movement with the steering member as a. unit and verticalmovement relative to said steering member, spring means for cushioning said relative movement of the axle, a wheel' carried by said axle. and means for rotating the steering member to steer said wheel. g

6. A iront end construction for a tractor, inciuding a stud secured to the front end of the engine and coaxial with the crankshaft thereof, a

support structure for supporting the weight of tbe front end of the engine and providing a socket for said stud, a steering member guided by said support structure for rotational movement about a vertical axis relative thereto, an axle supported for rotational movement with the steering member as a unit and vertical movement relative to said steering member. spring means for cushioning said relative movement of the axle, a wheel carried by said axle, and means for rotating the steering member to steer said wheel.

7. In a gasoline tractor, in combination, a body including side frame plates, an engine having a. forwardly extending stud, a substantially horizontal member having an upstanding part to receive said stud, said member being connected on either side of said upstanding part to said plates, a steering wheel connected to said horizontal member for guiding movement thereby, whereby the engine weight on said part is not transmitted to said side plates, and steering means operatively associated with said horizontal member for steering said wheel. 8. In a tractor. in combination, a pair of side frame members, an engine disposed between the .side frame members, a plate spaced from and extending under the front end of the engine, said plate being connected to join the side frame members, a steering member guided for rotation about a.` vertical axis by the plate, and connecting means secured to the iront end oi' the engine, whereby the weight of the front end of the engine is placed on the plate and steering member.

WILLIAM SCHROEDER. 

